According to the findings of Bank of America Merrill Lynch’s latest Workplace Benefits Report, one-third (32 %) of HR professionals have increased the time they spend on educating employees about workplace benefits and how they factor into workers’ financial security and overall wellness. The nationwide survey of more than 1,000 companies also revealed that a whopping 73 percent of HR professionals said they’ve had to develop greater expertise across various retirement and healthcare-related topics in order to effectively do their jobs.

Many survey respondents reported to having spent significantly more time on activities related to their health care plans (61 percent); their company’s 401(k) plan (38 percent); recruitment and layoffs (32 percent); and other compensation and employee benefit-related issues (22 percent). The survey also showed that the larger a company, the more likely an HR professional would spend an increased amount of time in these areas.

“We see more benefit leaders than ever before acknowledging the need to play a central role in their employees’ near- and long-term financial well-being, and evolving their expertise, benefits and other resources accordingly,” said Kevin Crain, senior relationship executive for Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “This study identified areas where companies are providing their workforces much needed guidance, as well as areas where they understand more can be done to help employees take greater control of their financial success and prepare for the future with confidence.”

Other key findings include:

Four out of five (81 percent) HR professionals believe they are at least somewhat responsible for their employees’ financial wellness

To help improve the financial well-being and peace of mind of their employees, 70 percent of companies now offer various forms education related to saving for retirement; planning for health care costs (38 percent); and debt management and budgeting (15 percent)

Providing financial education and other resources does not just benefit employees, but a company’s bottom line.

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Marks’ stories have also been published in a variety of newspaper, magazine and online formats including The Arizona Republic, The Daily Herald, Arizona Foothills Magazine and various classroom magazines of Scholastic Inc. Service is her passion, writing is her platform and uplifting and inspiring the community is her purpose. Marks received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University. Google+ Profile